Bunting named 2013 Miss White County Fair Queen

Courtney Bunting was selected from a field of nine contestants for the honor of 2013 Miss White County Fair Queen Monday, July 29 at the featured queen contest at the White County Fair. Nicole Campbell was named first runner up followed by Whitley Verble of Norris City as second runner up. Dayna Burnett was selected for Miss Congeniality.

Courtney Bunting was selected from a field of nine contestants for the honor of 2013 Miss White County Fair Queen Monday, July 29 at the featured queen contest at the White County Fair. Nicole Campbell was named first runner up followed by Whitley Verble of Norris City as second runner up. Dayna Burnett was selected for Miss Congeniality.

Bunting recently completed her studies at Southeastern Illinois College where she was named to the Presidents List. During her time at SIC, she has served as the student trustee at all SIC board meetings. Bunting will continue her studies at University of Evansville this fall with a concentration in law and legal studies.

In addition to her attention to education, Bunting is very active with the First Baptist Church in Carmi and is a member of the White County Weather Spotters. She currently works at McDonalds and is very interested in mission work.

Bunting, the 19-year-old daughter of Debbie and Randy Bunting of Carmi will represent White County in the state competition held at Springfield in January 2014.

Bunting was joined by Nicole Campbell, first runner up and Whitley Verble, who was named second runner up during the event. The evening also included the selection of Olivia Bohleber as Junior Miss and Carlie Vaught as Little Miss.

Bohleber, who will be in eighth grade this fall at Carmi-White County Junior-Senior High School, is very active in the community. She participates in activities such as 4-H, school sports and cheer team and is a 4.0 honors student. She is the 13-year-old daughter of Paula and Jeff Bohleber of Carmi.

Vaught is the seven-year-old daughter of Buddy and Bev Vaught of Carmi. She will be a second grader at Jefferson Attendance Center this fall and hopes to be a teacher when she grows up.

JC Tinsley served as master of ceremonies for the evening and Riley and Rachael Peyton kicked off the event by singing the National Anthem. The duo will be one of the acts featured during Thursday's WRUL Country Showdown at the White County Fair.

Several special guests were introduced during the program, including past and present queens and royalty from the area. Phyllis Browning, 1952 Miss White County, was introduced and provided a welcome to the nearly full grandstand.

The entire area of White County was represented in the contest with a total of 32 contestants in three categories. The interest topped last year's event, which garnered 25 contestants. Nancy Gowdy has been credited with reviving the contest for the White County Fair and was assisted by her daughter, Hannah, who was selected as 2011 Miss White County Fair Queen.

The 2013 White County Fair continues tonight, pending weather conditions, with the Junior Show at 6 p.m. followed by harness racing at 7 p.m. The Midway rides will offer reduced armbands for all rides at a price of $12.

Tomorrow's main events will include UTV and ATV Mud Racing at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstand. Also, displays in the Floral Hall will be available to the public beginning at 6 p.m. If weather cancels harness racing Tuesday (tonight), racing will be rescheduled for Wednesday afternoon with the post time to be determined.

Thursday's lineup includes the sheep and beef show during the morning hours followed by the WRUL Country Showdown with the house band performing at 6 p.m. followed by the competition at 7 p.m. Brasher and Bogue, a country duo, will perform at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The fair continues with Motocross at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2. The Young Leaders Pedal Pull will be held at 3:30 p.m. and the Demolition Derby will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 to close out the 2013 White County Fair.